The Essendon VFL side has made some key signings ahead of next season.
VFL Operations Manager Matt Little gives his take on the big name re-signings for the VFL Dons.
James Ferry
“I think James has got the most upside of anyone on our list. He's got a lot of untapped talent. His athletic ability is incredible. He’s coming off two knee reconstructions. This was his first year of football where he’s been able to play a good portion of the season. His potential is immeasurable at the moment. What he’s been able to demonstrate this year in the VFL has been terrific – the way he intercepts the ball, the way he runs off – he backs himself and that’s really exciting.
"If he got an opportunity I’ve got no doubt that he’s the personality that would work really hard. What he’s been able to do in this off-season has been terrific in terms of leg weights and upper body, which was something that he needed to work on. It’s going to allow him to be much stronger and compete against bigger targets next year. Hopefully he gets an opportunity through the draft, but if not, like the other boys, we expect him to have a really good year in the VFL.”
Jack Langford (pictured with Kyle Langford)
“He’s got a really good athletic profile. He’s been a swingman for us; we’ve thrown him forward, we’ve thrown him back in key position roles, he’s played a little in the ruck. He’s 197 centimetres and top five in our time trials so anytime you get someone like that you’re pretty excited about having them back on board.
"I’m not quite sure where he sits in terms of the draft, but the big thing for him was to gain some confidence playing at VFL level. He played ten games for us this year and we’d be looking for him to build on that next year."
Sam Heavyside (pictured with Kyle Hardingham)
“Sam plays that high half forward role really well. He’s been involved in the VFL and TAC programs coming through Bendigo. He would have played every game for us if he hadn’t hurt his shoulder in the middle of the year. His competitiveness and his work ethic are exceptional.
"He brings that forward line pressure and he bobs up and kicks goals as well. We’d be looking for him to consolidate that area of his game and potentially move through the midfield because he does have genuine speed and that’s something that the Club has been looking to work on over the last few years. So we’d be looking for him to take that next step and move in to that area.”
